U.S.-India collaborations on show at conference

DOWNERS GROVE — Somewhere in the foothills of the Himalayas, black carbon particles swirl in the atmosphere in such large quantities they can be seen by satellites.

The particles are the byproduct of vehicle emissions and wood or coal burning in the nearby Ganges valley, which is one of the most densely populated regions in the world.

The aerosol particles like to absorb radiation, which keeps heat closer to Earth. But whether or not that activity leads to global climate change or interferes with India’s annual monsoon season is unknown.